Outlet-valve for gasolene-dispensing apparatus of filling-stations



c. H. HUGHES.

OUILE'I VALVE FOR GASOLENE DISPEIISING APPARATUS 0F FILLING STATIO APPLICATION FILED IUIIE 25 |920.

, Patente May M9 1921.

To PUMP STATE ori-cso CHARLES H. HUGHES, OF DENVER, COLORADO, ASSJGNOR OF ONE-'HALF TO FRED C. CRAMER, OF DENVER, COLORADO.

OUTLET-VALVE FOR GASOLENE-DISPENSING, APPARATUS 01E' FILLING-STATIONS.

nemesis.,

Specification of Letters lPatent. Pgiiiljmttl ltlliy 10, i921.

Application filed June 25, 1920. Serial No. 391,762.

To all whomt may conce-rn Beit known that I, C-HAnLns H. HUGHES, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at the city and county of Denver and State otColorado,have invented a new and useful Outlet-Valve for Gasolene-Dispensing Apparatus of Filling-Stations, of which Y the followingris a specification.

rThis invention relates to improvements in outlet valves for gasolene dispensing apparatus'ot' filling stations. The object of the invention is to provide an outlet valve for gasol'ene dispensing receptacles or containers such as areemployed at automobile filling stations, which after being opened,.is closed by gravity when released, to cut off the flow of ga'solene when the desired quantity has been withdrawn. Further, to provide a graduated, gasolene dispensing receptacle having an outlet-,pipe provided with a. discharge valve which is manually opened, but closed by combined spring and gravity' action, when released, to cut off the flow of gasolene when the desired quantity has been withdrawn.

lurtheigto' provide a gasolene. dispensing receptaclev having a valve controlled liquid outlet pipe normally `in communication with an air inlet, and means operated by the opening of the valve whereby air is cut off from the outlet pipe while the valve is open, but admitted to the said pipe when the valve is closed to cut off #the outflow of gasolene, thereby preventing the forming of a vacuum in the usual filling hose, which is attached t-o the outlet pipe., whereby the same is com- 'pletely drained, Vand subsequent dripping thus prevented.

These objects are accomplished by the apparatus illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in, which same wlth the outlet pipe, and the air con trolling valve carried by said connecting pipe, and

Fig; 4f is a perspective view of the lower end of the connecting pipe, illustrating its arrangement as an outlet valve.

ln apparatus of this' character, in present ilse, the outlet pipe of the gasolene measuring receptacle, to which the usual service hose 1s connected, is provided with ainanually-operated cock or valve, which opens or closes communication between the receptacle and the service hose. When the desired quantity of gasolene is drawn from the receptacle, the. valve is closed, and as the gasolene which is in thehose, flows out, a partial vacuum is thereby formed in the hose, which causes the said gasolene to discharge therefrom in a slow, irregular stream, which finally becomes a mere dribble. Thus, considerable time is required to drain the hose. under present conditions, and even then, the hose will drip.

rll`he present invention eliminates these objectionable features by providingv `a form of outlet valve which, as it cuts ofil the flow of gasolene from the receptacle, effects the entrance of air in the outlet pipe, which prevents the forming of a vacuum in the service pipe, thus insuring a quick and thorough draining of the same.

lleferring to the accompanying drawings:

rllhe numeral l, indicates' a hollow, transparent, glass cylinder which is open at both ends, and which may be ot' any desired di mensions, but which, in practice, is approximately twelve inches in diameter, by about thirty-tour inches in length, The cylinder is closed at its ends by metal heads 2 and 3, which are clamped 'upon the said ends by headed rods 4, which extend through flange portions 5, ofi-said heads, and receive clamping nuts 6. vThe dange portions of the heads are provided with circular grooves i', in which are placed suitable fiexible gaskets 8, against which the ends of the cylinder bear, and which prevent leakage, as will be unf derstood. t

Each head comprises the flange 5, and an outwardly projecting hub or ring 9, and upon these hubs or rings are bolted cir# cular'plates or caps 1() and 11, respectively, which close the heads and likewise, the ends ot the cylinder.

The bottom cap 11, has a central aperture in which is rigidly secured, by brazing or otherwise, a short pipe 12, which extends about equal distances beyond each side Aof the plate, its upper end being on a level with the adjacent flange 5, of the head. Upon the end of the pipe 12, is secured a reducer 12, to which is suitably connected one end of a service or filling hose 14, through which gasolene from the measurlng receptacle or container is supplied to thel below the cap 11, and is connected by an elbow 19, with a pipe 20, which connects with a pump, of any style in common use, for pumping the gasolene from the general supply tank to the container 1, the said pump being omitted as it forms no part of the present invention. p

`The pipe 17, is the overflow pipe and its upper end, therefore, defines the highest level of the gasolene in the container 1. This end of the pipe is provided with ,a hood 21, the purpose of which will later appear. The lower end of the pipe 17, is connected by an elbow y22, with a pipe 23, which connects with the general supply tank, and thus con- 4veys the overflow from the container 1, to

the general supply tank.

The gasolene, entering the container through the supply pipe 18, is under suflicient pressure to be thrown against the upper cap 10, and thereby deflected in all directions, and but for the hood 21, a portion of the gasolene would'enter the pipe 17, and

fiow back to the tank, but the hood extends over the top of the pipe and prevents gasolene frorr entering the same, until the gasolene fills the container to level of the topl of the said pipe, which defines the greatest depth of gasolene in the container,4 as before state i The upper end of the inlet pipe 18, is on a slightly higher level-than the u per end of the overflow pipe, otherwise the overflow pi e could not carry out its function.

he upper cap 10, has a threaded aperture in which is screwed a short pipe 24, which acts as a vent for the container, and a short pipe l25, is rigidly secured in an aperture` in the center of the said cap, in axial line with the pipe 12, in thelower cap 11. The pipe 25, extends a short distance above the cap 10, and also below the same, its lower end terminating slightly below the level of the upper en'd of the pipe 17, and-the upper end of the pipe 25 is closed by a screw cap 26,

neergezetl a short distance above its lower end, and a flexible washer 30, which lits tightly onthe pipe and against the lower end of thev stop 29. This washer normally rests upon the upper end of the pipe 12, and securely seals the upper end of the said pipe when in this position.

The lower end portion of the pipe 28, which projects into the pipe 12, is provided lwith three or more holes 31, and this end of the pipe with its holes 31, constitutes the improved outlet valve for the container, taken in connection with the upper end of the pipe 12. i

As shown in Fig. 2, the valve is in position to close the outlet pipe 12; but when the pipe 28, is raised in a manner to be presently described, to bring the holes 31, above the upper end of the pipe 12, the gasolene in the container flows through the holes 31, into the pipe 12, and out through the service hose 14.

The upper end of the pipe 28, extends a short distance into the pipe 25, terminating above the level'ofthe upper end of the overflow pipe, and an expansion coil spring 32, is interposed between the upper end ofthe said pipe 28, and the screw cap 26, and acts to normallyy exert a downward pressure on the pipe and securely seat the washer 3l), upon the upper end of the pipe 12.

A pin 33, extends through the upper end portion of the pipe 28, and this pin extends loosely through the forked lower end of a stein 34,v which extends up through the spring 32, to within a sort distance of the cap 26; and a rod 35, is screwed into the upper end of this stem, and extends out through the hole in the cap 26. A metal washer 36, rests upon the upper end-of the stem, and supports a flexible washeru37, which acts as a valve to close the hole 27, in the cap 26, when the pipe28, is raised,

- for a purpose to be presently explained.

connected to one end of a lever 39, Vwhich is pivotally supported by. a suitable bracket posite end of this lever is connected the upper end of a rod 41, the lower' end of which is provided with a stirrup-like handle 42, which is in 'easy reach of an attendant.

In practice, gasolene is pumped into the container iii the manner before described, until it reaches the level of the upper end of the overflow pipe 17, which is indicated by zero on the graduated scale. Vhen any quantity, from one to fifteen gallons is required, the handle 42, is grasped and the rod 41, is drawn upon, by which the lever 39, is rocked, and the pipe 28, thereby raised, until the Washer 37, on the stem 34, engages the cap 26, and prevents further upward movenient of the pipe.v When the washer 37, en-

gages the cap, it closes the aperture 27, and thus prevents the entrance of air into the pipe 28.

When the pipe 28, reaches the limit of its upward movement, the holes 31, in its lower end are above the upper end of the outlet pipe v12, and the gasolene flows through 'the holes 31, to the pipe 12, thence through the service hose 14, to the automobile tank, or other receptacle.

When the gasolene level drops to the line indicating the number of gallons required, the handle 42, is released and thepipe 28, drops, underthe combined action of gravity and the spring 32, until the washer 30, engages the end of the outlet pipe 12, andprevents further downward movement of the pipe, and as the end of the pipe 28, having the holes 31, is now entirely within the pipe 12, the outflowof gasolene is cut off. A vacuum in the container is prevented by the vent 24, in the upper cap 10, which permits the gasolene to flow out under normal atmospheric pressure.

Vlhile the outlet valve is held open, to perinit the discharge of gasolene from the container, the air hole 27, in the cap 26, is closed by the valve or Washer 37, and airis thus cut oif from the pipe 28, and the out-flowing gasolene, after entering-the outlet pipe, is free from airV pressure inthe said pipe 28'. The'reason for cutting oif air from the pipe 28, is, that experience has demonstrated that when air is adinited abovethe gasolene flowing out through the hose, in addition to the atmospheric pressure in the container, the gasolene discharges from the hose in an irregular stream; but when the air is cut off from the 'pipe 28, and the gasolene is subjected only to the atmospheric pressure in the tank, the flow through the hoseis. steady and unbroken.

rIhe apparatus above -set forth while priinarily designed for the measuring and dispensing ot gasolene, inayalso `be used for free flowing oils and other liquids, and the construction of the apparatus permits the removal of each cap, and parts' supported thereby, independently of the other cap, thus facilitating repairs and changes when necessary.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Let?.

ters Iatent, is:

l. In an apparatus-of the character described, the combination with a closed liquid" measuring container having a liquid outlet pipe in its lower end and an air inlet pipe at its upper' end, of a gravity tube, the end portions of which are slidably mounted in said pipes, the portion ot said tube in said outlet pipe having outlet openings, means for lifting said tube to expose the outlet openings therein, means for .closing the air inlet, simultaneously with the opening of the liquid outlet, and a vent in the container.

l2. In an apparatus ofthe character described, tlie combination with an inclosed liquid-measuring container having a liquid outlet pipe in its lowei' end, andan air insaid valve member acting as the same time to close said air inlet, and a vent in said container.

3. In a device of the character described,

the combination with a closed liquid-iiieasur-v ing container having a liquid outlet and an air'inlet communicating with the outlet, a gravity device arranged to normally close the outlet and open the inlet, means for raising the gravity device whereby the inlet is closed and the outlet opened, and a vent in said container. 4. In a device ot the character described, the combination with a closed liquid-measuring container having a liquid outlet and an air inlet, of a tubular gravity device connecting said inlet and outlet and arranged to normally close said outlet and'open said inlet, a lever for'raising said tubular gravity device whereby said outlet is opened and the inlet closed, and a. vent in said container.

iis

5. In a device of the character described,

the combination With an inclosed liquid- -measuring container having a liquid outtheoutlet is opened and the inlet closed, and

a, vent in said container.

6. In a device of thecharacter described, the combination with a liquid-measuring container having a liquid outlet pipe and an i. whereby its outlet holes are exposed and air inlet pipe in axial line, a connecting pipe and liquid outlet pipes, a lever for raising said pipe, whereby the container and outlet pipe communicate, and the air inlet is closed, and a vent in the container.

7. In a device of the character described, the combination with an inclosed liquidmeasuring container having a liquid outlet pipe and an air inlet pipe in axial line, of a connecting pipe, the ends'of which are slidably mounted in said pipes, the portion of the connecting pipe within the outlet pipe having outlet holes, a valve member on the upper end of the connecting pipe, said pipe normally acting to close communication between the container and outlet pipe, and connect the air inlet and liquid outlet pipes; a lever for raising the connecting pipe whereby its outlet holes are exposed to pery mitv lcommunication between the container and outlet pipe, while at the same time the said valve member closes the air inlet, and a vent in the container.

8. In-a device of the character described, the combination with an inclosed liquidmeasuring container having a liquid outlet pipe and an air inlet pipe in axial line, a combined gravity and spring actuated connecting pipe slidably mounted at its ends in the said outlet and inlet pipes, the part of said connecting pipe inclosed by the outlet pipe having outlet holes, va valve member supported on the upper end of the connecting pipe, said pipe normally acting to close communication between the container and outlet pipe and open communication between the outlet pipe and the air inlet pipe, a lever for raising the connecting' pipe open communication between the container and outlet pipe, while at thesame time, said valve member' closes said air inlet pipe, a

.stop sleeve on saidconnecting pipe and a gasket thereagainst, which normally rests upon the top of the outlet pipe, and a vent in the container.

9. The combination with a liquid-measuring container having removable end caps,

of anair inlet pipe in the upper cap and a liquid outlet pipe in the lower cap, said pipes being in axial line, a screw cap on the air inlet pipe having an air hole, a connecting pipe slida'bly mounted at its ends in said pipes, a stop sleeve on the connecting remesa pipe and a gasket thereagainst, which normally rests upon the end of the outlet pipe,

the portion of the connecting pipe inclosed by the outlet pipe having outlet openings, a stem pivotally connected to the upper end of the connecting pipe, a'rod connected to said stem and extending out. through said air hole, a gasket on the upper end of said stem, and a coil spring interposed between the end of said connecting pipe and said screw cap, said connecting pipe normally closing communication between the container and outlet pipe and opening communication between the air inlet and the liquid outlet pipe, a lever connected tosaid rod to raise said connecting pipe, whereby the outlet holes in said pipe are exposed to open communication between the container and the outlet pipe, and the air hole in the screw cap is closed bythe gasket on Said stem, and a vent in said container.

10. The combination with a liquid-measuring container having a liquid inlet pipe, an overflow pipe, vand a liquid outlet pipe and any air inlet pipe in axial line, of a combined gravity and spring actuated connecting pipe, the ends of which are slidably mounted in the air inlet and liquid outlet pipes, and arranged to normally close coinmunication and. a liquid outlet pipe in axial line, of a connecting pipe slidably mounted at its ends in the said-air vinlet and liquid outlet pipes, and adaptedto normally'close communication between the container and outlet pipe,

and open communication-between the outlet pipe and the said air inlet pipe, means for raising the connecting pipe whereby the air inlet is closed and the liquid outlet opened, and a vent .inthe container.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature in presence oftwo witnesses.

CHARLES H. HUGHES.

Witnesses: p

G. SARGENT ELLIOTT, ELIZABETH SMITH. n

between the outlet pipe and the container, and connect the said outlet pipev and the air inlet pipe, a lever for raising said A 

